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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Murine Corneal Transplantation: A Model to Study the Most Common Form of Solid Organ Transplantation
Published on: November 17, 2014
Pediatric corneal transplants
Danielle Trief1, Maria C Marquezan, Christopher J Rapuano
1aDepartment of Ophthalmology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA bDepartment of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Paulista School of Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo, UNIFESP, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil cCornea Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania dWilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
Insights
Recent advances in pediatric keratoplasty improve outcomes for children. New surgical techniques and multidisciplinary care enhance vision restoration and long-term graft survival in pediatric corneal transplantation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Corneal Disease
Background:
- Pediatric keratoplasty presents unique clinical and surgical challenges.
- Successful corneal transplantation can restore vision in children with severe eye conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an update on recent advancements in pediatric keratoplasty.
- To highlight improved outcomes and surgical techniques for children undergoing corneal transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Review of current surgical techniques including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), lamellar surgery (endothelial keratoplasty, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty), and keratoprosthesis.
- Discussion of clinical management strategies and prognostic indicators.
Main Results:
- Children undergoing corneal transplants face higher risks of rejection, infection, and graft dehiscence compared to adults.
- Surgical modifications in PKP enhance stabilization of pediatric eyes.
- Lamellar surgery offers targeted treatment with potentially fewer complications.
- Keratoprosthesis is a viable option when PKP success is unlikely.
Conclusions:
- Advances in surgical techniques and clinical management are leading to better outcomes in pediatric keratoplasty.
- Safer, more targeted surgical options are becoming available for challenging pediatric corneal diseases.
- A multidisciplinary approach and long-term follow-up are crucial for successful transplantation and graft survival.
Purpose Of Review:
Pediatric keratoplasty poses unique challenges in clinical and surgical management. However, successful transplantation can afford a child vision in an otherwise poorly seeing eye. This review will provide an update on recent advances in pediatric keratoplasty.
Recent Findings:
Although children who receive corneal transplants remain at increased risk of rejection, infection, and graft dehiscence compared with adult corneal transplant recipients, new surgical techniques, and advances in clinical management have led to better outcomes. Surgical modifications in penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) offer increased stabilization of the delicate pediatric eye. Lamellar surgery, including endothelial keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, can target specific diseased tissue in children with potentially fewer complications. The keratoprosthesis can be used successfully in children when the chance of success with PKP is especially low.
Summary:
As our knowledge of prognostic indicators and surgical techniques continues to grow, we can offer children safer and more targeted surgeries for some of the most challenging corneal diseases. Ultimately, successful transplantation with long-term graft survival can be obtained by a multidisciplinary approach, with care across ophthalmic specialties, and a commitment to long-term follow-up by the patient's family.
